Weight Loss Options, But Which Is For You?

Because there are more overweight and obese Americans than any other people in the world, it is not at all surprising that weight loss, diet products, and diets are such a tremendous industry. Especially today when the obesity rate is the highest that it has ever been! There are numerous varieties of diets, but most diets fall into one of three types: (1) Low calorie; (2) Low carbohydrate; or (3) Low fat. There are numerous proponents of each type of diet, and certain individuals have more success with one type than another. Some of the factors determining which diet is for a specific individuals include: (1) willpower; (2) food preferences; (3) discipline; (4) hunger; (5) how often one needs to eat; (6) health considerations such as blood pressure, high or low bloo9d sugar (diabetes, hyperglycemia or hypoglycemia.

Many conventional practitioners are major proponents of low calorie diets. These practitioners claim that weight loss or gain is dependent on the balance between caloric intake and how many calories one burns through exercise, work, etc. Unfortunately, many individuals do not do well on low calorie diets because these individuals feel the need to eat more food than the caloric limitations permit. In addition, many individuals find it difficult to reduce caloric intake for prolonged periods,. so if there is a need for a significant weight loss, many people get frustrated and therefore do not stay "true" to low calorie philosophy.

Others speak glowingly of low fat diets, and speak of the health implications of fats. However, many individuals on low fat diets do not lose significant weight.

Many dieters find eating prepared foods the best way for them to lose weight. While many of these plans are quite effective, they generally do not foster the development of good, effective and proper eating habits, and thus these people often experience the "yo yo syndrome," losing and gaining weight repeatedly.

One of the most misunderstood diets is the low carbohydrate diets. Originally made popular by the late Dr. Robert Atkins, this diet emphasizes reducing carbohydrates significantly, in order to bring the body into a condition known as ketosis (fat burning). Low carbohydrate dieters use the fats in their diet to generate and supply the energy and "power" for their bodies. Several studies have recently indicated that while all of these types of diets, if adhered to, will create weight loss, statistically low carbohydrate dieters lose a little more weight than others, maintain the weight loss longer, probably because this diet teaches a lifestyle change, and does a better job of lowering bad cholesterol numbers as well as triglycerides. Opponents of this diet have long insisted that there are negative health implications, but studies have shown that if a low carbohydrate diet is followed properly, that low carb diets are as safe or safer than other varieties. In addition, Dr. Atkins used to point to a large study by Duke, as well as "60,000 plus case studies" that show how effective his diet was.

Having been privileged to have known Dr. Atkins, both as a colleague and as my personal physician, I am able to personally testify to the fact that the low carb diet is both relatively easy to follow, as well as works. Over the past fifteen years, I have done what many people my age have done - - "accidentally" gain "just" a couple of pounds a year. Because of that I decided that I wanted to lose about 25 pounds. In the past three and a half months, following the "Atkins diet," I have lost thirty pounds, while eating three full meals, and two snacks daily. I am never hungry, my hypoglycemia is totally controlled, and I lost weight. This diet has four stages: (1) Induction - very low carbs, not to exceed 15 net grams per day for a minimum of 2 weeks; (2) Stage 2 - When one gets to approximately 80% of the desired weight loss, carbs are increased to a level of approximately 20-25 grams per day; (3) Stage 3- Begun at approximately the 95% progress mark, carbohydrate intake is gradually increased to approximately 40 grams per day; (4) Life Maintenance - method of keeping weight steady, where carb intake is gradually increased with "good carbs" until a weight level maintenance point is reached. For some individuals, this level can be approximately 100 net grams per day, while others need to limit their carb intake to a slightly higher or lower degree.

If you've tried other diets, and either not been successful, or lost weight only to regain it in the future, I suggest that you try the low carbohydrate approach. I suggest reading up on the diet, and adhering strictly to its principles. I believe you will be glad you did!